{"id":28713,"date":"2021-04-27T13:38:33","date_gmt":"2021-04-27T17:38:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/?post_type=bu-program-page&#038;p=28713"},"modified":"2026-07-06T15:00:12","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T19:00:12","slug":"ma-in-emerging-media-studies","status":"publish","type":"bu-program-page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/programs\/emerging-media-studies\/ma-in-emerging-media-studies\/","title":{"rendered":"MA in Emerging Media Studies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-bucom-black-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ffffff\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h4>Program Notes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>No GRE required.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/admissions\/graduate\/tuition-scholarships-aid\/\">Merit scholarships available,<\/a> with no additional application required.<\/li><li>Current BU students &amp; alumni: learn about the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/grad\/double-terrier-scholarship\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/grad\/double-terrier-scholarship\/\">Double Terrier scholarship<\/a>.<\/li><li>International students: This program is eligible for the OPT STEM extension.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/bu-com.cas.myliaison.com\/\">apply now<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/prospective-graduate-student-events\/\">Upcoming Info Sessions<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3>What is emerging media studies?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Emerging media studies is the social science of how technology shapes human behavior, communication, and society. Rather than focusing on creating digital content, this discipline combines media psychology, data analytics, and behavioral research to examine why people adopt new technologies, how digital platforms influence choices, and how organizations can respond using research, data, and evidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We don&#8217;t just study what people do with technology\u2014we study why they do it, how those behaviors evolve, and what that means for organizations, policymakers, and society. Because better decisions start with a better understanding of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That understanding requires diverse perspectives, which is why our cohorts welcome students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. The curriculum builds your data literacy and technical research toolkit from the ground up, making it a seamless fit whether you&#8217;re entering straight from an undergraduate degree or pivoting from an entirely different industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Why choose the MA in Emerging Media Studies?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4>Solve research questions: the year-long Collaboratory<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"p-rc_aef816a757b1218b-184\">Organizations don&#8217;t just need more data\u2014they need people who know how to ask the right questions. Through the Master&#8217;s Collaboratory in Emerging Media, you&#8217;ll spend three semesters on a team helping clients\u2014including regional tech startups, national nonprofits, and media organizations<meta charset=\"utf-8\">\u2014understand audiences, interpret behavior, and answer complex research questions. You graduate with a portfolio of applied research demonstrating that you can design studies, analyze complex data, interpret human behavior, and communicate findings that influence real-world decisions.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4>Advanced research infrastructure<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"p-rc_aef816a757b1218b-185\">You&#8217;ll conduct original behavioral and physiological research in the <strong>Communication Research Center (CRC)<\/strong>, COM\u2019s advanced data and media lab. Here, you&#8217;ll gain proficiency in biometric tracking, eye-movement analysis, and cognitive response tools, applying empirical social-science methods to questions involving AI, virtual reality, augmented reality, social media, and other emerging technologies. You&#8217;ll study how people pay attention, make decisions, build trust, and respond to digital experiences using biometric and behavioral research methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4>Present original research<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"p-rc_aef816a757b1218b-186\">The program culminates in the <a href=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/demsconference\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/demsconference\/\"><strong>#ScreentimeBU<\/strong> <meta charset=\"utf-8\">conference<\/a>, our annual student-led research conference. You&#8217;ll present your team\u2019s data visualizations and empirical insights to industry professionals, faculty, and academic peers\u2014building an active network before graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>What can you do with an MA in Emerging Media Studies?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An MA in Emerging Media Studies prepares you for careers in UX research, audience analytics, digital strategy, public policy, AI research, consumer insights, and social data science. You&#8217;ll find our graduates in industries that might surprise you&#8211;and a few that won&#8217;t. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether they work for technology companies, nonprofits, healthcare systems, government agencies, or research organizations, our alumni help people make sense of a digital world. By translating behavioral research and data into actionable insights, they improve products, shape policy, design better user experiences, and inform strategic decisions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because the MA in Emerging Media Studies is <strong>STEM-designated<\/strong>, you&#8217;ll graduate with highly sought-after technical and analytical skills. More than 90% of COM graduate students report finding employment or continuing their education within six months of graduation. International students are also eligible for the 36-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension to work in the United States after graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you pursue industry or research, you&#8217;ll graduate prepared to investigate complex questions, generate meaningful insights, and help shape the future of communication, technology, and society. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4>Common career pathways<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>MA in Emerging Media Studies graduates move into high-impact roles across sectors &#8212; many of which didn&#8217;t exist ten years ago:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>User Experience (UX) Research:<\/strong> UX Researcher, Usability Specialist, Design Strategist<\/li><li><strong>Data + Audience Analytics:<\/strong> Social Data Analyst, Media Insights Manager, Data Visualization Specialist<\/li><li><strong>Digital Strategy + Public Policy:<\/strong> Platform Governance Advisor, Digital Marketing Specialist, Technology Policy Researcher<\/li><li><strong>Academic Research:<\/strong> Direct pipeline into premier PhD tracks in communication and social data science<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Our students come to BU because they want to understand not just technology\u2014but the people who use it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>I knew that I was entering a workforce where I would be surrounded by rapidly changing technology and media. I was looking for guidance on how to learn as much as I could before becoming a subject matter expert in my career.<\/p><cite><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/samimiddleton\/\">Samantha Middleton<\/a>, Alumna and Director of Project Management at Digitas Health<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h4>Where our alumni run strategy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Graduates of the MA in Emerging Media Studies work anywhere organizations need to understand people, technology, and data. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Technology + platform networks:<\/strong> Google, Meta, TikTok, Amazon, Apple, IBM, HubSpot, ODK Media, Sky Solutions AI<\/li><li><strong>Financial + professional services:<\/strong> Fidelity, Accenture Song, China Merchants Bank, Gartner, Linkgraph SEO Services, Nielsen, Ipsos, Sky Solutions<\/li><li><strong>Media, consumer brands + healthcare:<\/strong> Netflix, HBO, National Public Radio (NPR), Blue Bottle Coffee, Target, National Institutes of Health (NIH)<\/li><li><strong>Research + global institutions:<\/strong> United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), MIT Media Lab, and premier tier-one research universities in the US and abroad<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3>Curriculum: What you\u2019ll learn in this emerging media master\u2019s program<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/programs\/emerging-media-studies\/ma-in-emerging-media-studies\/degree-requirements\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/programs\/emerging-media-studies\/ma-in-emerging-media-studies\/degree-requirements\/\">coursework,<\/a> you&#8217;ll learn how people think, make decisions, interact with technology, and influence one another online. Then you&#8217;ll use research, analytics, and behavioral science to investigate the questions shaping today&#8217;s digital society. The curriculum balances advanced social science theory with hands-on technical training, building deep expertise in human behavior, media psychology, network science, and data analytics while developing the cross-functional skills that technology, research, and policy organizations are looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/programs\/emerging-media-studies\/ma-in-emerging-media-studies\/degree-requirements\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/programs\/emerging-media-studies\/ma-in-emerging-media-studies\/degree-requirements\/\">Explore our courses and curriculum.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4>Advanced research + technical toolkits<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Through data-driven coursework, you&#8217;ll master the research methods, analytical software, and technical tools required to mine raw data and translate it into insights that improve products, policies, and organizational decision-making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Social network analysis + Big Data:<\/strong> Gephi, NodeXL, UCINET<\/li><li><strong>User experience (UX) + biometric research:<\/strong> iMotions biometric tracking platform (eye-tracking, facial expression analysis, and galvanic skin response)<\/li><li><strong>Statistical analysis + visualization:<\/strong> SPSS, Stata, Tableau<\/li><li><strong>Web + data architecture foundations:<\/strong> HTML, CSS, JavaScript<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3>Core curriculum (28 credits)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Every graduate student masters the foundations of computational social science and empirical research:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>COM EM 700: Introduction to Emerging Media Studies<\/strong> | Examine the behavioral patterns and social consequences of human-technology interaction across modern device architectures.<\/li><li><strong>COM EM 747: Trending Insights: Social Data Analysis and Visualization<\/strong> | Learn large-scale data scraping, network mapping, and sentiment tracking. Master the tools needed to mine raw data and turn it into clear visual dashboards.<\/li><li><strong>COM EM 757: User-Producers 2.0: Developing Interactivity<\/strong> | Evaluate the mechanics of digital co-creation, building digital interfaces and tracking audience engagement through advanced metrics.<\/li><li><strong>COM EM 777: Master\u2019s Collaboratory in Emerging Media<\/strong> <em>(Taken 3 times across the program)<\/em> | The foundational, team-based applied research sequence managing projects for external corporate and civic sponsors.<\/li><li><strong>COM EM 797: Connecting Humans: Networks, History, and Social Media<\/strong> | Map structural communication networks, exploring how digital platforms influence public opinion and institutional architecture.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3>Advanced electives (3 courses \/ 12 credits)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Customize your quantitative profile with internal specialized coursework or approved graduate courses across Boston University\u2019s programs in data science, computer science, public health, and more. You define the focus. The program gives you the research foundation to go deep in it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4>Specialized EMS elective highlights:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>COM EM 755:<\/strong> Measuring Media Effects: Experimental Design &amp; Biometrics<\/li><li><strong>COM EM 793:<\/strong> Psychology of Emerging Media<\/li><li><strong>COM EM 761:<\/strong> Special Topics in Algorithmic Governance &amp; AI Society<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4><meta charset=\"utf-8\">Tailor your path to degree completion<meta charset=\"utf-8\"><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The MA in Emerging Media Studies adapts to your specific academic and professional goals. While you select an initial path during the application process, you can shift your focus upon completion of your first semester in consultation with your advisor:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>The professional track (3 semesters):<\/strong> The standard accelerated pathway. Focuses heavily on data methods, UX tools, and real-world execution through the year-long Master\u2019s Collaboratory.<\/li><li><strong>The thesis track (3\u20134 semesters):<\/strong> Ideal for students planning to transition into Ph.D. programs or advanced research roles. Requires an original research thesis (<code>COM EM 909<\/code>) guided by a faculty mentor.<\/li><li><strong>The internship track (3\u20134 semesters):<\/strong> Pairs your quantitative coursework with a field placement (<code>COM EM 911<\/code>) inside a Boston-based tech, media, healthcare, or corporate analytics department.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>One of the most impactful courses was EM757. I was introduced to UX research for the first time &#8211; methodologies, design principles, and the chance to work with clients to build a portfolio. This experience led me to a career in UX research.<\/p><cite>Brittany Andersen, alumna and Senior User Experience Researcher at Google<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3>Real-world applied projects + labs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4>Recent Collaboratory corporate sponsors<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Through the Collaboratory, students work in cross-functional teams to solve research challenges for prominent civic and commercial organizations, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>UX + emerging tech:<\/strong> A user experience (UX) consulting agency, a pioneering nonprofit dedicated to digital safety, and a university organization analyzing generative AI interfaces.<\/li><li><strong>Public media + entertainment:<\/strong> One of the oldest continuously operating television services in the U.S. and a network producing groundbreaking children\u2019s media content.<\/li><li><strong>Civic + nonprofit advocacy:<\/strong> Advocacy organizations for refugee outreach, youth mental health initiatives, and historic neighborhood vitality groups.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3>Featured student research publications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Our students regularly publish and present empirical research on some of today&#8217;s most important questions about technology, communication, and society. Recent project topics include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>AI Use in Higher Education: A Comparative Study of Faculty and Student Perceptions<\/li><li>Preparing for an AI-Mediated Future: A Mixed-Methods Study of How Student and Media Professionals Perceive Required Competencies<\/li><li>Trusting the Machine: Psychological Mechanisms Behind Users&#8217; Continuous Intention to Use ChatGPT<\/li><li>Exploring the motivational driving forces of frequent flyer program engagement: A self-determination theory approach<\/li><li>Understanding Effective Digital Narratives for Mental Health Branding Among Youth: A Case Study<\/li><li>From Personalization to Resignation: Interpreting User Attitudes Toward Online Advertising and Data Profiling<\/li><li>Optimizing AI Literacy Education in K-12: Assessment Strategies in Collaboration with Day of AI Initiative <\/li><li>Retro Rewind: Nostalgia in Sharing Children\u2019s Media<\/li><li>Exploring Donor Intentions and Digital Fundraising Strategies for NGOs: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior and Elaboration Likelihood Model<\/li><li>Screened Perceptions: Social Media, Am I Not Enough?<\/li><li>Determinants of Sense of Community Belonging Among Asian-American Social Media Users: Informing the Design of Social Media Strategies for NPOs\u2019 Community Outreach and Engagement<\/li><li>Cross-Cultural Differences in On-Campus Wellbeing Seeking Behavior: Integrating Theory of Planned Behavior and Anxiety\/Uncertainty Management Theory<\/li><li>What Do Students Think of Blackboard? Tailoring the Technology Acceptance Model to Evaluate an Online High School\u2019s Learning Management System<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3>Research centers + innovation labs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Inside the <strong><meta charset=\"utf-8\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/crc\/\" target=\"_blank\">Communication Research Center<\/a> (CRC)<\/strong> &#8212; <meta charset=\"utf-8\">COM\u2019s primary research hub, established in 1959 &#8212; and the <strong>Zimmerman Family Social Activation Center<\/strong>, you&#8217;ll work alongside faculty inside specialized, state-of-the-art research spaces where you&#8217;ll investigate topics such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Information integrity:<\/strong> Tracking and analyzing digital disinformation and platform algorithmic bias.<\/li><li><strong>Biometrics:<\/strong> Utilizing eye-tracking and galvanic skin response to test media platforms.<\/li><li><strong>Social media analytics:<\/strong> Real-time data scraping, audience sentiment mapping, and predictive trend tracking.<\/li><li><strong>Faculty research initiatives:<\/strong> International communication, children&#8217;s media, and public opinion on evolving societal issues. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3>Led by active researchers, not just theorists<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Our faculty members are actively helping to define one of communication&#8217;s fastest-evolving fields. They aren&#8217;t teaching from outdated textbooks; they&#8217;re publishing pioneering research on AI governance, human decision-making, social polarization, biometric data response, and human-computer interaction. They bring current studies, evolving research questions, and professional networks into your classes, acting as personal career mentors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"related-content related-profiles\">\n\t\t<div class=\"related-content__header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"related-content__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\tMeet the Emerging Media Faculty\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"related-content__more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/profiles\/faculty\/?discipline=emerging-media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMore\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"related-content__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"profile-card post-38500 profile type-profile status-publish hentry discipline-type-emerging-media profile-type-faculty\">\n\t<a class=\"profile-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/profile\/maria-elizabeth-betsi-grabe\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"profile-card__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"310\" height=\"504\" src=\"\/com\/files\/2024\/03\/GrabeVertical-310x504.png\" class=\"attachment-bucom_profile size-bucom_profile\" alt=\"Betsi Grabe\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"profile-card__information\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"profile-card__name\">Maria Elizabeth (Betsi) Grabe<\/h4>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"profile-card__title\">Dalton Family Professor<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"profile-card post-43522 profile type-profile status-publish hentry discipline-type-emerging-media profile-type-faculty\">\n\t<a class=\"profile-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/profile\/joshua-baldwin\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"profile-card__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"310\" height=\"504\" src=\"\/com\/files\/2025\/09\/Baldwin-Joshua-1-310x504.jpg\" class=\"attachment-bucom_profile size-bucom_profile\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"profile-card__information\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"profile-card__name\">Joshua Baldwin<\/h4>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"profile-card__title\">Assistant Professor, Emerging Media Studies<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"profile-card post-41447 profile type-profile status-publish hentry discipline-type-emerging-media discipline-type-journalism profile-type-faculty\">\n\t<a class=\"profile-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/profile\/joan-donovan\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"profile-card__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"310\" height=\"504\" src=\"\/com\/files\/2025\/02\/joan-donovan-portrait-310x504.png\" class=\"attachment-bucom_profile size-bucom_profile\" alt=\"Joan Donovan portrait\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"profile-card__information\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"profile-card__name\">Joan Donovan<\/h4>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"profile-card__title\">Assistant Professor of Journalism and Emerging Media Studies<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"profile-card post-43423 profile type-profile status-publish hentry discipline-type-emerging-media profile-type-faculty\">\n\t<a class=\"profile-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/profile\/joan-dimicco\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"profile-card__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"310\" height=\"504\" src=\"\/com\/files\/2025\/09\/DiMicco-Joan-310x504.jpg\" class=\"attachment-bucom_profile size-bucom_profile\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"profile-card__information\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"profile-card__name\">Joan DiMicco<\/h4>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"profile-card__title\">Visiting Assistant Professor, Emerging Media Studies<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"profile-card post-1677 profile type-profile status-publish hentry discipline-type-emerging-media profile-type-faculty profile-type-researcher\">\n\t<a class=\"profile-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/profile\/jim-cummings\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"profile-card__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"310\" height=\"504\" src=\"\/com\/files\/2020\/01\/Cummings-310x504.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-bucom_profile size-bucom_profile\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"profile-card__information\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"profile-card__name\">James Cummings<\/h4>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"profile-card__title\">Associate Professor, Emerging Media Studies<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"profile-card post-1675 profile type-profile status-publish hentry discipline-type-emerging-media profile-type-faculty profile-type-researcher\">\n\t<a class=\"profile-card__link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/profile\/james-e-katz\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"profile-card__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"310\" height=\"504\" src=\"\/com\/files\/2025\/09\/jk-headshot-2-2025-for-public-distr-310x504.png\" class=\"attachment-bucom_profile size-bucom_profile\" alt=\"James Katz headshot\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"profile-card__information\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"profile-card__name\">James Katz<\/h4>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"profile-card__title\">Feld Professor of Emerging Media Studies<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h3>Study emerging media in Boston<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<p>Boston is one of the country&#8217;s premier hubs for technology, healthcare, advanced research, and venture-backed startups. Companies including Akamai, HubSpot, Wayfair, Moderna, Toast, and ScaleAI are headquartered here &#8212; meaning internships and career opportunities are just down the street. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a program focused on understanding how technology influences people and society, Boston offers an exceptional living laboratory. We use Boston as an extension of the classroom, connecting you directly with the innovators, data scientists, and policy leaders shaping the next generation of technology.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"\/com\/files\/2025\/03\/bu-boston-aerial-view.jpg\" alt=\"Aerial view of Boston University at dusk with Boston skyline in the background.\" class=\"wp-image-41689\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/files\/2025\/03\/bu-boston-aerial-view.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/files\/2025\/03\/bu-boston-aerial-view-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3>Program Details at a Glance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Degree:<\/strong> Master of Arts (MA) in Emerging Media Studies<\/li><li><strong>Designation:<\/strong> STEM-approved <em>(Eligible for 36-month international OPT extension)<\/em><\/li><li><strong>Structure:<\/strong> 40 credits combining behavioral research, computational methods, and applied research <\/li><li><strong>Duration:<\/strong> 3 semesters (Full-time completion in 16 months)<\/li><li><strong>Tuition Model:<\/strong> Per-credit rate <em>(Effective Fall 2026; allows flexible pacing)<\/em><\/li><li><strong>GRE:<\/strong> Not required<\/li><li><strong>Scholarships:<\/strong> Automatic merit scholarship evaluation upon application<\/li><li><strong>Double Terrier:<\/strong> 25% tuition discount automatically applied for BU undergraduate alumni<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3>Frequently asked questions about the MA in Emerging Media Studies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4>What is the difference between Emerging Media Studies and a traditional Mass Communication degree?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Traditional mass communication programs often focus on how organizations create and distribute media. Emerging Media Studies examines what happens after people encounter technology\u2014how digital platforms shape communication, human behavior, decision-making, and society. You&#8217;ll learn to conduct research, analyze behavioral data, and generate insights that inform industry, public policy, and future innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4>Do I need a background in media, communications, or data science to apply?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>No. We explicitly build our cohorts around diverse academic profiles and welcome career changers. We do not expect you to enter with any programming skills. The curriculum is designed to take your qualitative insights and train you from the ground up in data visualization, social media metrics, and experimental research design. The program welcomes applicants from sociology, psychology, computer science, business, and beyond &#8211; any background that brings curiosity about how technology influences human behavior. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4>How does Emerging Media Studies compare to UX Research?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>User Experience (UX) research is a primary career track for our graduates, but our degree is broader. While traditional UX programs focus strictly on product interfaces and immediate user testing, EMS looks at the entire system\u2014evaluating the social network, the media psychology, and the data footprint surrounding the technology. This broader perspective prepares you for executive strategy and policy roles, not just interface execution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4>Is this program STEM-designated?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. International graduates are eligible for the 36-month OPT extension to work in the US after graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4>What&#8217;s the difference between Emerging Media Studies and Media Science?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Media Science focuses on how media messages influence audiences, often in areas like marketing, health, and political communication. Emerging Media Studies explores how new technologies shape human behavior, organizations, and society, with a broader emphasis on emerging platforms, digital culture, and interdisciplinary research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/programs\/emerging-media-studies\/ma-in-emerging-media-studies\/frequently-asked-questions\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/programs\/emerging-media-studies\/ma-in-emerging-media-studies\/frequently-asked-questions\/\">See all frequently asked questions.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Also worth exploring<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn more about our other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/admissions\/graduate\/\">graduate programs<\/a> in communication and media, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/academics\/media-science\/ms-in-media-science\/\" target=\"_blank\">MS in Media Science<\/a>: <\/strong>Focuses on how media messages influence audiences, with specializations in health, marketing, or political campaigns. <\/li><li><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/academics\/media-science\/ms-in-media-science-marketing-communication-research\/\" target=\"_blank\">MS in Media Science (Marketing Communication Research Concentration)<\/a><\/strong>: Deep focus on consumer behavior and data-driven marketing strategy. Strong fit for careers in consumer insights, UX research, and analytics across business and nonprofit sectors.<\/li><li><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/academics\/film-television\/ms-in-media-ventures\/\" target=\"_blank\">MS in Media Ventures:<\/a><\/strong> Launch bold ideas in entertainment and media in just 11 months. Gain business, strategy, and creative development skills while working in both Boston and Los Angeles. <\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/academics\/media-science\/master-of-science-in-human-centered-design\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/academics\/media-science\/master-of-science-in-human-centered-design\/\"><strong>MS in Human Centered Design<\/strong>:<\/a> Built for students heading into UX\/UI careers, with end-to-end expertise in product strategy, research, and design. <\/li><li><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/academics\/emerging-media-studies\/phd-in-emerging-media-studies\/\" target=\"_blank\">PhD in Emerging Media Studies: <\/a><\/strong>For students with a master&#8217;s degree who want to pursue independent research and academic careers.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n\t<div class=\"related-content related-articles\">\n\t\t<div class=\"related-content__header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"related-content__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\tEmerging Media News\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"related-content__more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/articles\/?category=emerging-media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMore\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"related-content__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"article-card post-46129 bu-article type-bu-article status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry category-emerging-media category-honors category-research tag-lokmanoglu tag-polarization bu-publication-test\">\n\t<div class=\"article-card__link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"article-card__cat\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"article-card__cat-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"article-card__cat-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/category\/emerging-media\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEmerging Media\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"article-card__cat-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"article-card__cat-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/category\/honors\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHonors\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"article-card__cat-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"article-card__cat-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/category\/research\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tResearch\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"article-card__heading\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"article-card__heading-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/articles\/2026\/polarization-study-wins-andrew-carnegie-fellowship\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"article-card__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\tStudying How Online Images Feed Polarization Wins BU Scholar Prestigious Andrew Carnegie Fellowship\t\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"article-card__image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/articles\/2026\/polarization-study-wins-andrew-carnegie-fellowship\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"article-card__image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"758\" height=\"460\" src=\"\/com\/files\/2026\/05\/lokmanoglu-card-758x460.jpg\" class=\"attachment-bucom_card_large size-bucom_card_large\" alt=\"Ayse Lokmanoglu smiling portrait.\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/files\/2026\/05\/lokmanoglu-card.jpg 758w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/files\/2026\/05\/lokmanoglu-card-636x386.jpg 636w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 758px) 100vw, 758px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"article-card__date\">May 5, 2026<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"article-card post-45371 bu-article type-bu-article status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry category-emerging-media category-research tag-video-games\">\n\t<div class=\"article-card__link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"article-card__cat\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"article-card__cat-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"article-card__cat-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/category\/emerging-media\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEmerging Media\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"article-card__cat-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"article-card__cat-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/category\/research\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tResearch\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"article-card__heading\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"article-card__heading-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/articles\/2026\/are-video-games-bad\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"article-card__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\tAre Video Games Bad for You? Study Finds They Can Help Your Mental Health\t\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"article-card__image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/articles\/2026\/are-video-games-bad\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"article-card__image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"758\" height=\"460\" src=\"\/com\/files\/2026\/03\/gaming-feature-card-758x460.jpg\" class=\"attachment-bucom_card_large size-bucom_card_large\" alt=\"Top down view of various gaming accessories laying on table.\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/files\/2026\/03\/gaming-feature-card.jpg 758w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/files\/2026\/03\/gaming-feature-card-636x386.jpg 636w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 758px) 100vw, 758px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"article-card__date\">February 25, 2026<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"article-card post-42909 bu-article type-bu-article status-publish has-post-thumbnail hentry category-emerging-media category-film-television category-media-science tag-marketing tag-social-media bu-publication-test\">\n\t<div class=\"article-card__link\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"article-card__cat\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"article-card__cat-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"article-card__cat-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/category\/emerging-media\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEmerging Media\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"article-card__cat-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"article-card__cat-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/category\/film-television\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFilm &amp; TV\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"article-card__cat-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"article-card__cat-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/category\/media-science\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMedia Science\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"article-card__heading\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"article-card__heading-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/articles\/2025\/com-class-teaches-students-how-to-promote-their-content-online\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"article-card__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\tCOM Class Teaches Students How to Promote Their Content Online\t\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"article-card__image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/articles\/2025\/com-class-teaches-students-how-to-promote-their-content-online\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"article-card__image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"758\" height=\"460\" src=\"\/com\/files\/2025\/07\/promoting-content-wallace-card-758x460.jpg\" class=\"attachment-bucom_card_large size-bucom_card_large\" alt=\"Margaret Wallace points to a screen while seated students look on.\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/files\/2025\/07\/promoting-content-wallace-card.jpg 758w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/files\/2025\/07\/promoting-content-wallace-card-636x386.jpg 636w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 758px) 100vw, 758px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"article-card__date\">July 8, 2025<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Program Notes No GRE required. Merit scholarships available, with no additional application required. Current BU students &amp; alumni: learn about&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16717,"featured_media":28916,"parent":28692,"menu_order":4,"template":"","meta":{"_editor_template":""},"bu_progs_page-type":[1492],"bu_progs_degree-option":[1538],"bu_progs_education-level":[1594],"bu_progs_department-affiliation":[],"bu_progs_format":[],"bu_progs_availability":[],"bu_progs_location":[],"interest":[],"discipline-type":[1428],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page\/28713"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/bu-program-page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16717"}],"version-history":[{"count":49,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page\/28713\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":46985,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page\/28713\/revisions\/46985"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-program-page\/28692"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28916"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28713"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_page-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_page-type?post=28713"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_degree-option","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_degree-option?post=28713"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_education-level","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_education-level?post=28713"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_department-affiliation","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_department-affiliation?post=28713"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_format","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_format?post=28713"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_availability","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_availability?post=28713"},{"taxonomy":"bu_progs_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_progs_location?post=28713"},{"taxonomy":"interest","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/interest?post=28713"},{"taxonomy":"discipline-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/discipline-type?post=28713"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}